“We can’t stop breathing, but we can do something about the quality of air that we breathe.”
Plants are becoming an increasingly important feature in modern office design, as businesses look for ways to improve productivity, wellbeing, and overall workplace experience. With growing interest in topics like office plants, biophilic design, and workplace wellbeing, it’s clear that incorporating greenery into the office is more than just a design trend – it’s a strategic investment in performance and employee satisfaction.
One of the most well-documented benefits of plants in the workplace is their impact on productivity. Studies have shown that introducing plants into office environments can increase productivity by up to 15%, while also improving concentration and overall job performance. This is largely due to the way natural elements help reduce mental fatigue and create a more engaging and stimulating work environment.
Plants also play a significant role in reducing stress and improving employee wellbeing. Research has found that workplaces with plants experience noticeable reductions in stress, anxiety, and fatigue, contributing to a calmer and more positive atmosphere. By creating a more relaxed environment, plants can help employees feel more comfortable and focused throughout the day, which ultimately supports better performance and job satisfaction.
Another key advantage of workplace plants is their ability to improve air quality.
Indoor environments often contain pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and carbon dioxide, which can negatively impact concentration and health. Plants help filter these pollutants, reduce airborne dust, and improve overall air quality, leading to a healthier workspace and clearer thinking. While the effect varies depending on the number and type of plants, the overall contribution to a cleaner environment is widely recognised.
In addition to health and productivity benefits, plants can also enhance creativity and cognitive function. Exposure to natural elements has been linked to improved creative thinking and problem-solving, as well as better memory and focus. This makes plants particularly valuable in workplaces that rely on innovation, collaboration, and idea generation.
From a design perspective, plants contribute significantly to the overall look and feel of a workspace. They soften harsh office environments, add colour and texture, and create a more welcoming and professional atmosphere. This can positively influence both employees and visitors, helping to reinforce a strong business image and brand perception. In fact, workplaces with greenery are often perceived as more inviting, modern, and employee-focused.
Plants also support employee satisfaction and retention. A well-designed workspace that prioritises comfort, wellbeing, and aesthetics can have a direct impact on how employees feel about their work environment. When people enjoy their surroundings, they are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and committed to their roles.
Ultimately, incorporating plants into the workplace is a simple yet highly effective way to improve both the physical environment and overall workplace performance. From boosting productivity and reducing stress to enhancing air quality and visual appeal, plants offer a wide range of benefits that support modern office design and employee wellbeing.
So, what plants are best?
Choosing the right plant for an office can be daunting as only a few can properly thrive in a fluorescent light, temperature-controlled environment. But never fear, not only do we have the perfect things for you to put your new plants in, but also a guide for which plants would be best for your workplace.
For the First Timer:
The Chinese Evergreen, these guys are not only nice to look at but are easy to care for, and often compact enough to keep on your desk or in a planter box. This species also made it onto NASA’s list of air-filtering house plants, so you know it will do wonders for your lungs.
The Pothos family, more commonly known as Ivy, are the perfect indoor climbing and hanging species. They prefer bright indirect light but can also tolerate low light environments like an office. Best to keep in mind though, the more light the ivy gets, the more colour it will show through the leaves. While Ivy are very easy care, they do need to avoid direct sunlight as it will burn the leaves. Be sure to check which way the closest windows are facing.
For the Notorious Plant Killer:
Just because we can’t all be natural green thumbs, doesn’t mean our offices shouldn’t have greenery. Most commonly known as the Snake Plant, this species is virtually indestructible, helps to remove pollutants in the air, and they thrive in almost all environments.
Instagram’s current plant obsession which you might have seen is the ZZ Plant or Zanzibar. This African plant thrives on neglect, so leave it in the shade and give it very little care and watering for optimum growth results. This species also made its way onto NASA’s list as an indoor air purifier.
The Cast Iron Plant, if the name doesn’t say enough, loves low light, is slow to grow and really hard to kill.
For the Ego Boosting Compliments:
The plant that no office is complete without, the Peace Lily, one of the best air purifiers with the looks to back it up. This indoor thriver grows best in low to medium light, particularly under fluorescents. It’s best to note that the more light the peace lily receives, the more likely it will be to produce its recognisable flowers.
Looking for something small yet mighty? The Peperomia family covers more than 1000 individual species that thrive indoors, most of which can withstand dry soil and a few days of missed watering thanks to their thick leaves. This group prefer bright, indirect light but can still flourish under fluorescent lighting. Pick up a few different species and create a colourful arrangement in your Bloom Vertical Garden or pop one next to your computer and be the envy of your desk neighbours.
Creating small changes that can benefit the environment and the air we breathe can lead to big results. To find out more about World Environment Day and the other changes you can make, visit their site here.
